Karen Minzel

Karen Ronning Minzel, age 79, formally of Carlos, Minnesota passed away peacefully on December 8, 2018 at Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. She was born on April 20, 1939 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Clarence and Eunice (MIller) Ronning. Karen met Orrin Minzel on a blind date in 1956.  The couple married on September 5, 1957 in Monticello, Minnesota. Together they celebrated 61 blissful years of marriage. They had three children while living in the Twin Cities. In 1970, the family moved to the Carlos/Nelson area. To be closer to their family they moved to Blooming Prairie, MN in 2017.

Karen loved being a wife and mother. She was a leader of the Brownie’s, Girl Scout’s and 4-H groups while her children were growing up.  After the children graduated, Karen enjoyed the 23 years she was employed at Community Memorial Home in Osakis, Minnesota.  Karen was an active member of her church, volunteering with the Women’s Group at Carlos Trinity Lutheran.

Throughout the years, Karen cherished family trips and enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She was a lifelong cat lover.  Her hobbies included crocheting, fishing, flowers, sewing, and trips to the casino with friends.  She was a dedicated fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Twins.

Karen is survived by her husband, Orrin Minzel, three children; Carol Minzel of Blooming Prairie, MN, Barb (Derek) Clarey of Rochester, MN, and Charles (Sarah) Minzel of St. Cloud, MN.  Six grandchildren; Brieanne (Jeremy) Wangen, Alieshia (Kraig) Strand, Kristen (Darr) Ehmke, Bryan Fristedt, Courtney (Jesse) Bos, and Rory (Liz) Clarey, and 10 great-grandchildren.  She was proceeded in death by her parents.

A service celebrating Karen’s life will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church.  Located at 16 N Douglas Ave, Carlos, MN.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie, MN or Carlos Trinity Lutheran Church Women’s Group.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.